Styria (Steiermark)

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Styria is world famous for its pumpkin seed oil. It is, without doubt, THE signature Styrian speciality: its dark green colour, nutty aroma and intense flavour make it unique. The huskless Styrian pumpkin seed is a variety created by local farmers around 100 years ago - the origins of the oil, however, go back to the eighteenth century. The oil's place of origin has been protected by the EU since 1996.

PÖLLAU HIRSCHBIRNE PEARS

These come from an old Styrian variety of pear tree. Large numbers can now only be found in the Pöllau Valley. The trees, planted mostly in rows or in grazed orchards, are up to 200 years old. Hirschbirne pears have low acidic content, are suitable for people with allergies, are rich in potassium and are a diuretic. They are also an important source of iron and very rich in fibre.

STYRIAN RUNNER BEANS

Runner beans are cultivated predominantly in the districts of Bad Radkersburg, Feldbach, Weiz, Hartberg and Fürstenfeld. In the sixteenth century, runner beans found their way from the New World to Austria and became a distinctive Styrian speciality. Their cultivation was established alongside maize, which act as a support plant for the runner beans.

STYRIAN TEICHLAND (LAKE DISTRICT) - CARP

The "Styrian Teichland" region is divided into three main areas, which stretch from Deutschlandsberg in western Styria to Hartberg in the east. It was the farmers who understood how to use the natural conditions skillfully and built long lakes in their mountainous homeland. In doing so, they created a countryside jewel that is still relatively undiscovered. Mirror carp, common carp, linear carp and leather carp are bred in the Styrian Teichland.

Culinary Graz

There are many reasons to visit Graz. The picturesque, bustling university town in southern Austria is about an hour away from the border to Slovenia, surrounded by lush orchards and sun-drenched vineyards. From numerous cultural attractions, both historic and modern, to distinctions such as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status, there is plenty to see and do. But the key to the city lies in unlocking its culinary treasures, shown in the following video: